Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that the club’s summer acquisition of Jeremie Frimpong was partly motivated by the need to prepare for Mohamed Salah’s absence during the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah, Egypt’s captain, is expected to miss a significant portion of the season when the tournament kicks off late this year.
Frimpong, who was born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, is primarily a right wing-back but has the versatility to operate further forward.
Slot explained that this adaptability was a key factor in Liverpool’s decision to bring him to Anfield.
“We have definitely thought about that and we have brought in Jeremie Frimpong because we think he can play as a right full-back but I also think and feel he can play as a right-winger,” Slot said ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace.
The Liverpool boss emphasised that Salah’s absence could be felt across as many as six Premier League fixtures, making adequate cover essential.
“We have thought about the fact we are going to miss Mo, I think as a maximum for six games, but that is quite a lot in the Premier League – especially when you see how well he did last season,” Slot noted.
Frimpong arrives at Liverpool after an impressive spell with Bayer Leverkusen, where his attacking threat from deep and ability to stretch defences made him a standout performer in the Bundesliga.
While his signing addresses tactical needs beyond Salah’s departure, Slot acknowledged that the AFCON factor influenced the club’s planning.
“Signing Jeremie Frimpong was for multiple reasons but one of them was that he could replace Mo if he was not there. There are other options to replace Mo with as well but Jeremie is definitely one of them,” Slot added.
Liverpool will begin their season with Sunday’s Community Shield before opening their Premier League campaign the following weekend.
